Palestinians in Gaza describe aid shortages, ceasefire hopes as Rafah crossing reopens

The World Food Programme warned earlier this month that while critical progress had been made in pushing back famine in the enclave, food security “remains extremely fragile.”

In a briefing, OCHA Spokesperson Olga Cherevko said the U.N. and humanitarian partners had “brought nearly 200,000 metric tons of aid into Gaza” since the ceasefire began, but she said aid organizations were still facing “severe limitations.”

Asked how much total aid has entered Gaza since the ceasefire began, the Israeli military agency COGAT did not provide a direct response, but shared a post published Thursday on X saying 4,200 aid trucks were entering Gaza every week and condemning the United Nations for suggesting the situation in the enclave was still “dire.”

Before Israel’s offensive in Gaza began, around 500 trucks carrying aid were entering the enclave daily, according to the British Red Cross and other organizations.

Mai Elawawda, communications officer for Medical Aid for Palestinians, said access to clean water, shelter equipment and medication remained limited, while thousands are on waitlists to be allowed to exit Gaza for medical care.

“We are talking here about basic needs,” Elawawda, who is based in central Gaza, said in a phone interview Wednesday. “People continue to die as a result of the deteriorating conditions.”

More than 480 people have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire began, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in the enclave, with Israel accused of repeatedly violating the ceasefire deal by conducting airstrikes.

Israel’s military has separately accused Hamas of attacking its forces and violating the truce.

From the view of tents that have been waterlogged by rain during the harsh winter months, Palestinians said they struggled to envision the glimmering tourist destination touted as Gaza’s future.

“Building hotels and facilities only to attract visitors — but where would the people of this besieged land go — with their children and grandchildren, and with the traditions and customs they have preserved for decades?” Bassem Al-Masri said.

“They would be erasing Gaza’s identity to gain a small amount of money that will eventually fade away,” she added.